Through some unknown means, Luna has been given the chance to stop her and her sister from making the biggest mistakes of their lives. Though it may cost her more than she realizes.
Through some unknown means, Luna has been given the chance to stop her and her sister from making the biggest mistakes of their lives. Though it may cost her more than she realizes.
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Luna gasped and lurched upward, her limbs flailing and magic sparking. She looked around in a blind panic, searching for whatever or whoever had hit her. Yet there was no one there, just dense woodland in every possible direction.
“Wait, where am I?” Luna muttered.
Far from the cozy beachfront property she shared with her sister in the faraway retirement village of Shadowvale, Luna currently looked to be in a forest of some kind. Though no threat presented itself she recalled that something had triggered her flight or flight response right before she had woken up here. She tried to recall what exactly she had seen or detected but couldn't bring up anything save for a weird sense of unease which unsettled her deeply.
“Hmmm,” Luna murmured.
Letting her magic dissipate, Luna began to inspect her surroundings a little closer, no longer searching only for threats. What she saw was remarkably normal, and notable only for the fact that it was not a sunny beach illuminated by the mid-afternoon sun. Here it was morning, with the first rays of the risen sun lighting up the cloud-filled sky above her head.
Extending a hoof, Luna felt the cool wind caress her limb, the sensation annoying her slightly but leaving her mostly unbothered. She had felt far colder temperatures then what she was currently experiencing, though it did indicate to her that she was either far north or it was closer to winter.
“How long have I been out?” Luna asked no one in particular.
Looking down, she noticed that the ground around where she had awakened was smoking slightly. She peered closer and saw that several small violet fires burned around her hooves in isolated, heatless pockets. Clearly not started by mundane means, Luna quickly surmised that whatever spell had brought her here had sparked them at the same time.
“Strange,” Luna remarked aloud.
The forest held no further clues either, as it seemed arboreal, and completely normal. Relatively dense, the trees were fairly sparse but undergrowth was everywhere, with large bushes cropping up all over the place. The space she stood in was one of the very few clear spots that Luna could see, though she couldn't know that for certain as the area was quite hilly, limiting her vision.
“Let us see where we are,” Luna thought to herself.
Taking wing, the alicorn launched into the air, quickly ascending above the treetops, and going further still. She stopped only when her head threatened to brush against the numerous low-hanging dark grey clouds. There she hovered, scanning her surroundings as best as she was capable of given the thick mist that hung over everything.
She hadn't noticed it at first but the atmosphere was oppressive, and visibility was low. Small water droplets clung to her feathers and dribbled down her fur in tiny rivers. Though inconveniencing to most winged individuals, Luna need only cast a quick spell to make herself immune to the unpleasant weather.
“Someone isn't doing a very good job managing this area,” Luna murmured to herself, only to pause and narrow her eyes. “Though there doesn't seem to be anywhere around to begin with.”
Her assessment seemed true, as no matter where she looked she saw no signs of habitation. Not even an out-of-the-way cabin, ill-used road, or crumpled mound of rubble that had once been a building. There was only pure, untouched nature as far as she was able to see.
“Wait a moment,” Luna muttered. “I think I see something.”
Peering off in what she assumed was a northern direction, Luna glimpsed the very edge of a small settlement or village. The only sign of civilization was a few better-managed fields but that was enough to assume that at least someone was nearby. Setting off in that direction, Luna glided on the misty breeze, allowing the cool air to calm her unsettled thoughts.
As she drew closer she noticed that her first assessment was true, though her assumptions weren't quite correct. She had indeed found someone, but they appeared far poorer than anticipated with not one of the smattering of hovels having a fully wooden roof. Thatched rooves were common across Equestria, but what was not as common was a complete lack of windows.
There were openings but Luna couldn't see any glass panes within them, and stranger still there were no true roads. Sure there were ruddy mud-covered paths that likely served the same function but they paled in comparison to the real thing. Luna remembered Celestia boasting about how she had connected every single town and settlement with paved and maintained roads centuries ago.
Yet here here there lay a farming village that although isolated, was home to nearly two dozen houses. Had Celestia simply missed them? That was possible but didn't seem likely given just how confident Celestia was that she had connected all of Equestria.
Thankfully ponies were coming into view, and with them, Luna assumed were answers. Only, when she looked down on the small motley assortment of quadrupeds walking around the village she had only more questions. For one, she wondered why they were all earth ponies, and secondly, why they all had a darker coloration. Thirdly, and perhaps most strangely of all, was the fact that there were adults who were without cutie marks.
“Reminds me of the old times,” Luna mused. “Back when the magic of harmony had yet to extend across the land.”
The idle musing was brushed aside the moment her gaze fell upon what she assumed were a married couple. The stallion and mare stood near a covered well, two tin cups freshly filled with water drawn from the earth. Both were brown, though the lighter of the two had a mane the color of wheat while the male had a short cut mane of dark red. Only one, the female, Luna noticed, had a cutie mark, and it was of a simple rolling pin atop what looked to be dough.
Luna glided to a stop a dozen or so meters away, the mare making no effort to mute the clop of her hooves.
“Greetings, citizens,” Luna opened. “How far thee today?”
As Luna cursed her rather archaic manner of speech that cropped up whenever she was nervous, the pair before her stared in wide-eyed horror. It was like they had seen a ghost, though that expression soon vanished and the pair buried their muzzles in the dirt.
“We great thou, esteemed sovereign, Mistress of the eight realms, and high ruler of the Equestrian kingdom,” declared the stallion, with his presumed wife stuttering out the same declaration in far less confident words.
“Was that old equish?” Luna muttered.
“Pardon me my lady but I do not know the unicornian tongue,” the stallion replied.
“I don't know what kind of reenactment village this is but you can cut the act and speak normally,” Luna demanded.
The stallion pushed his nose further into the dirt.
“I do not know what thine words mean but I sense thine anger. If you wish to take it out on anyone I beg you choose me and not mine darling wife,” he professed.
Luna blinked, only now aware of the fact that his wife seemed on the verge of tears and the stallion himself was barely holding himself together. The alicorn had to think back to the distant past, before clearing her throat and using a tongue that she had not needed since her return from banishment.
“Raise thy heads. You have naught to fear from me,” Luna softly exclaimed. “I have had a recent encounter that has left me dazed and forgetful.”
That seemed to calm the pair, though they dared not raise their heads from the ground.
“Is it not customary to offer water to a visitor?” Luna offered.
“Right away, my lady!” exclaimed the male who took one look at their tin cups before racing off back towards his house.
“I uh, think my betrothed is fetching the um, good goblet,” muttered the wife.
“I see that. Now please, raise thine head and sit with me. I am in need of your assistance,” Luna exclaimed, tinging the declaration with a small hint of authority.
The mare scrambled into a stand and all but sprinted the three or so feet so she could stand next to the well.
“Yes, my lady. How may I be of assistance?” She offered a little too earnestly.
“First, thy name, and the name of thine husband,” Luna replied.
“I am Brunhild, and my husband is called Albert, we are of the earth tribe and the Bauer family,” she replied.
Luna nodded slowly, hiding the confusion that threatened to reach her face through great effort. They were still using the old style of earth pony names from before the unifications. Though they recognized her, they were terrified, indicating to her that they were every bit as isolated as they seemed to be.
“Apologies, sweet Brunhild Bauer, but I was the recent victim of an enemy attack and have forgotten several things. Would you help me?” Luna inquired.
That seemed to shake the mare, and she bobbed her head eagerly.
“You need only ask, my lady,” Brunhild replied.
“What is the date. Month, year, and so on,” Luna pressed.
“It is the thirtieth year of the diarchy, and twenty second of october, your grace,” Brunhild answered.
“You may dispense with the formalities for the moment,” Luna exclaimed, the alicorn resisting the urge to add, ‘Because it's annoying’.
“Thank you, your uh… Luna,” Brunhild muttered in confusion.
Luna rolled her eyes.
“And where exactly am I?” Luna asked, gesturing around them.
“We are-” Brunhild’s response was cut short by the sound of hooves approaching, more hooves than what Luna had expected to hear.
Glancing in the direction of where Albert had disappeared, she noticed that the stallion had returned, alongside a mare. Or at least Luna assumed they were a she, as they wore voluminous red robes that went all the way down to their fetlocks. The hood she wore was so deep that the only thing Luna could be certain of was the fact that they too were an earth pony. Their clothing was strange, that much was obvious, but it was made odder still by the thick white cord about their waist and the skull pendant that hung about their neck.
“The order of our martyred lady,” Luna whispered to herself. “Now I know for sure these are not incredibly committed actors. Celestia has wiped the order from history.”
“Greetings, your grace,” offered the approaching inquisitor. “What may I ask is the nature of your business here?”
“I believe as though I have been the target of a recent assassination attempt,” Luna replied. “Though I live still, I have been left dazed and thrown across the whole of the nation.”
“Is that so, then you would of course be willing to partake in the blood?” The inquisitor replied.
Luna paused, temporarily confused by the statement only for a flood of memories to come back.
“I am no demon, or shapeshifter if that is what you hope to discover though if it would make you feel better you may perform what tests you feel are necessary,” Luna offered openly.
The inquisitor drew forth a small vial from the depths of their robes. They then uncorked the tiny container and threw the crimson contents at Luna while muttering a prayer under their breath. Though annoyed, and now splattered with virgin blood, Luna was unaffected.
“Are you satisfied?” Luna asked.
The inquisitor’s hood fell back, revealing the awe-struck face of a young mare barely old enough to be an adult.
“By the blood. You are indeed the mistress of the night!” She exclaimed before collapsing to the ground and prostrating herself in the mud. “Please forgive mine arrogance! This village has been beset with face stealers, and other entities for years!”
Luna lit her horn and cleansed herself with a spell, though the feeling of blood on her fur remained.
“Rise, fair inquisitor. My situation is strange, and no doubt worthy of investigation. You need not apologize for doing thine duty,” Luna exclaimed.
“But I have spilled blood upon the crown! Such an offense must be punished. I urge you to slay me so that I-”
“Silence,” Luna interrupted. “You are guilty only of protecting the people of this village. Your punishment will simply be to answer my questions.”
The inquisitor peered up from the mud, her eyes wide and filled with worry.
“Do you need a hoof, fair inquisitor?” Luna asked, eyebrow raised.
“N-no that won't be necessary!” She exclaimed, before hastily standing up.
“Good, and the same goes for you, Albert. You are a brave stallion and I do not intend on impugning you for fetching the local inquisitor,” Luna offered.
“I thank you, your grace,” he exclaimed, bowing low.
“Now. What village is this? What province- er realm am I?” Luna asked.
“Greenvale, of the Westfallen,” She replied.
“And the date? It truly is the thirtieth of our reign?” Luna inquired.
“The twenty-second day of October to be precise, your grace,” answered the inquisitor.
“Then that means tomorrow is…” Luna murmured.
“Pardon me, your grace?” Inquired the inquisitor.
“Apologies. I must return to the capital at once,” Luna nodded to the small group. “Thank thee all for thine assistance. I wish you well this day.”
“The same to you, your grace,” Albert offered.
Luna paid the male no mind, as she had already turned and begun to trot away from the trio. Once she had put a bit of distance between them, she launched herself into the air with enough force to crack the ground and send bits of earth flying. She didn't care though, her wings were already pumping, her gaze already focused on the horizon and her mind already churning.
“Come on Luna,” whispered the alicorn. “You always dreamt of this moment. Time to make it a reality.”
Celestia strode up the winding mountain path which began over three miles behind her at the mouth of a valley and ended only a short distance ahead of her at the edge of a small town that sat atop a hill. The road was wide, and well maintained, allowing her as well as her cadre of nearly fifty soldiers, assistants, and squires to march in a large square formation.
The alicorn herself strode out in front of the group, her only company being a single page who walked quietly beside her. Though unarmored and adorned only by a simple three-pointed golden tiara that sat atop her brow, her cadre was armed to the teeth. Their armor, consisting mainly of ring mail over leather was fairly light, but the soldiers were thankful for it when the cold mountain wind occasionally rushed down from on high.
Celestia knew there would be complaints and whispers when they finally settled in to rest, but for now, there was stoic quiet. All present knew the importance of what was coming, and none were willing to be the ones to break the silence. Thankfully none had to, as a new arrival glided down from on high before stopping before the group.
“Greetings mine sister,” Luna announced, the dark alicorn bowing her silver tiara-clad head to her sibling.
Who returned the gesture earnestly.
“What news do you bring? Is Lord Ostre guilty?” Celestia inquired.
“I have no sign of the demonic corruption your inquisitors so claimed to have located,” Luna answered, her lip curling into a small snarl. “In fact it seems as though he has been the one who has suffered an injustice.”
“Preposterous,” Celestia retorted. “The order would not levy so heinous an accusation without any manner of evidence.”
“Oh, they have evidence alright. Evidence garnered through torture, and obtained exclusively through force,” Luna spat back. “Not a single individual who spoke out about Lord Ostre did so freely and openly.”
“You have been lied to, dear sister,” Celestia exclaimed, the words dear and sister being spat with all the venom of the cruelest of insults. “The order is under express command to not use such means or methods.”
“It is as I’ve been telling you for years. The order is corrupt,” Luna proclaimed, stomping her hoof in emphasis. “It may have been necessary thirty years ago when Discord threw open the gates of Tartarus out of spite but the worst offense I’ve seen truly validated has been the reading of banned books.”
“A demonic grimoire is not just a book, Luna. You should know this by now,” Celestia spat back.
“I know that very well dear sister of mine. No one here has even managed to prove that much,” Luna shouted, gesturing back to the town behind her. “All I’ve found are honest folk terrified of the inquisition and willing to say anything to avoid censure or any of the far, far worse punishments your ponies wield so blatantly.”
“When I sent you here I did not think for a moment you would succumb to honeyed words so easily. Perhaps it would be better if you were to return to the capital and allow me to take over,” Celestia declared.
“I do not take orders from you, Sister!” Luna shouted, pointing an angry hoof at her sibling. “I left of my own volition as your presence is stifling, and your court as toxic as those foul plants you put into your morning water.”
“I-”
Whatever Celestia’s retort would have been was cut off by the sudden arrival of a second Luna flying in from the east. Landing amongst them, the slightly taller alicorn sported a flowing starry mane unlike her doppelganger or her sibling who had only monochromatic manes. She also had a pure coat of the deepest blue while the other alicorns had dappled snouts, and fetlocks a shade or two lighter than the rest of their coat.
“Face stealer!” Someone shouted from amongst Celestia’s retinue.
The newly arrived Luna ignored the shout and tossed the pony she had been carrying on her back to the ground before her. Immediately the shock of her arrival was replaced with confusion, as the group stared down at the strange pony. Bound in chains, and with his mouth secured by a large gag, there was still no mistaking the teal coated, and navy blue maned stallion.
“LordOstre,” past Luna gasped.
“Hold, good stallions, and mares,” future Luna proclaimed. “Your leaders and I have much to discuss.”
“Like what you’ve done with my real sister!” Celestia spat.
“I am your real sister you idiot!” Exclaimed past Luna. “This one doesn't even have my dappled nose, and she is taller than me!”
“Silence, you quarrelsome morons!” Future Luna shouted. “I am Luna, but from the future and I will prove as much if you would give me a moment of your time.”
Past Luna, and Celestia both looked to one another, neither quite sure what to do.
“If you grant me that much I will tell you exactly what Lord Ostre was planning for you both,” future Luna declared. “I will give you a hint, it wasn't good.”
The bound pony writhed and yelled, twisting about on the ground angrily but getting no closer to being free of his chains.
“You have thirty seconds,” Celestia proclaimed.
Past Luna sneered but said nothing.
“Good. Now, there is a waterfall back in Oakridge where we grew up. It was hidden away in the south valley nearly an hour’s trot from our family cottage,” future Luna began, much to the confusion, and slowly dawning shock of the other two alicorns. “We played there a few times before, swimming in the small pool at its base, but it only truly became important to us when we heard the news of our father’s death at the hands of Discord.”
The soldiers looked on in confusion as their leader’s jaws hung open, and the carefully guarded expression of neutrality was wiped away.
“I ran away, and you found me there, huddled in the small alcove at the base of the waterfall,” future Luna continued. “You held me as I cried, and in turn, I did the same for you. We stayed there for hours, shivering and soaking until the sounds of our mother’s terrified voice could be heard over the roar of the water. Before we left, we promised that we would get revenge on that bastard for what he’d done.”
The road was quiet, save for the awkward shuffling of the soldiers, and the continued grunts of the earth pony stallion bound before them.
“You… you’re really me,” past Luna exclaimed. “How is this possible?”
“I don't know,” future Luna admitted. “The last thing I remember is being attacked by something and then I woke up yesterday in a forest near Greenvale.”
“Why come here, why… all this?” Celestia asked, gesturing to the stallion bound at their hooves.
“Because you both were about to make the worst mistake of your entire lives,” future Luna declared.
“Impossible, he was innocent,” past Luna asserted, though there was no fire in her voice or certainty in her words.
“He is guilty,” future Luna declared. “You will find his secret study under his library. Simply pull the bust of his great grandfather forward and a passageway will open nearby.”
The stallion fell still and stared up at the future Luna in a mixture of shock as well as horror.
Celestia pointed to a few of her aides, then pointed up the hill. As they neared the other blue alicorn, past Luna stepped aside to let them by.
“He was consorting with what few demons are left who have not been slain or returned to Tartarus. You will find that although the creature he imprisoned is a mere imp, it is far stronger than its kin,” future Luna warned.
“You, you, you and you, go as well,” Celestia ordered, pointing out a smattering of soldiers.
Who all nodded, and hastily trotted after their companions.
“So he was guilty…” Past Luna muttered in defeat. “But why? He had everything a pony could want. Status, wealth, power, and prestige. He is beloved by the ponies of the town.”
“He wanted the same thing everyone who makes such deals desires,” future Luna muttered, kneeling down next to the now still and silent stallion. “And this one was so arrogant he believed he would get what no others, save us, have acquired.”
“He wanted to be an alicorn?” Celestia asked.
“He cared not what flavor it came in, but he desired one thing and one thing only. Immortality,” future Luna continued. “You see he may be young, but he was born with a weak heart, and he has but a few short years to live before it will give out, and he will die.”
“Wait. I remember him saying something about that the other night,” past Luna offered. “He mentioned he was born with a defect, but he refused to say what, and jokingly implied that it was an overabundance of kindness.”
“Or in other words, a big heart,” Celestia added.
Future Luna nodded and rose back to her full height.
“In my timeline, he does not succeed in becoming immortal, but he does unleash a plague of undead abominations that will require centuries to clean up and hunt down,” Luna concluded. “A shame really. His medical discoveries will eventually revolutionize our understanding of pony physiology but his work will be so marred by suffering that none will even consider it.”
“Wait,” Celestia declared. “Then that means I was right all along. He was guilty, my inquisitors have done their job.”
“I thought you said they were not your inquisitors,” past Luna accused.
“Quit sniping one another you two,” future Luna admonished. “And no they did not do their jobs, at least not properly.”
“Explain,” Celestia demanded.
“They accused him out of spite. The local order magus was envious of his wealth and power and hoped that after he was censured, he could claim the Lord’s home as Order property,” future Luna explained. “When it was discovered that Lord Ostre had made a personal plea to Luna herself and that the princess had responded, he scrambled for a response.”
“So he did torture those ponies, just like I discovered,” past Luna prompted.
“Exactly,” future Luna replied. “He probed them with leading questions and torture until he had created a body of evidence he’d used to convince Celestia of the voracity of his claims.”
“Wait, so we were both wrong?” Celestia muttered in disbelief. “That can't be true. The inquisition has been pivotal in the kingdom’s stability.”
“It has, in the past,” future Luna stated firmly. “But since then they have done their job too well. There are only a handful of demons left and the changelings have been beaten so badly they will not make a return for some years.”
“Then they just made all this up, and tortured those innocent ponies for what, no reason?” Celestia exclaimed.
“No, not for nothing, for power,” future Luna retorted. “They were nearing the end of their natural life span, and rather than simply give up the authority accrued they had to find demons, or if necessary, make their own up.”
“They grapple to power, just as Ostre did,” past Luna muttered, her lip curling into a snarl. “It would almost be poetic if I was not so disgusted by this entire ordeal.”
“To think the order has been led so far astray of their mission. I can scarcely believe it,” Celestia murmured.
“I told you about this years ago Celestia. If you had just listened to me instead of shunning me then none of this would have happened,” past Luna accused.
“Oh don't take that holier then though tone. You hate it when she does it but you do it the moment you are given the opportunity,” future Luna exclaimed, turning on her doppelganger. “And don't think so highly of yourself either. Ostre plied you with cheap wine and cheaper praise.”
Past Luna straightened her spine and snorted.
“Yes well, at least what he said about the inquisition and Celestia’s tax collectors was true,” past Luna offered.
“Wait, what?” Celestia muttered.
Future Luna groaned and ran a hoof down her face.
“No, no he wasn't. He mixed truth with lies so that it may be easier to swallow,” future Luna retorted.
“I’m sorry, I’m terribly lost here. What is this about tax collectors?” Celestia pressed.
“This idiot,” future Luna began, giving Ostre a good kick in the spine for emphasis. “Sought to sow discord between you two by painting all the problems of the kingdom as Celestia’s fault in some way or another but I’ll get to that in a moment.”
“What's really important here is that both of you are easily plied with fawning praise, and ego boosts because you both have incredibly low self-esteem,” future Luna proclaimed.
“I do not, I am a princess for crying out loud!” Celestia stated.
“Y-yeah!” Past Luna added.
“That does not exempt you from suffering such a thing you two dolts,” future Luna shot back. “You both have incredible imposter syndrome, and you both worry endlessly about this new kingdom you find yourself at the head of. You want to be reassured that you are doing a good job, that you are taking the correct actions and so it leads you to the wrong people.”
Future Luna gestured from Celestia to her previous self.
“You are easily convinced of the order’s loyalty because they support your reforms, and heap praise at your hooves at every chance they get,” future Luna continued. “While Luna has little support amongst these power brokers she is more personable, and thus seen as the champion of the people. This dynamic will breed a conflict that will tear Equestria apart and destroy your relationship for over a thousand years to come.”
“A thousand years?” Celestia muttered. “I knew we would live long, but to think it would be that long.”
“There is a lot Starswirl didn't tell you, partially because he didn't know, partially because he's an ass,” future Luna remarked with a snort.
“What does his donkey ancestor have to do with any of this?” Past Luna retorted.
“That's not the point. The point is that you must view those who are most eager to pander to your egos with the highest level of suspicion,” future Luna imparted. “And you must seek comfort in one another during these trying times, not others.”
“You mean like the Platinums?” Celestia asked, her tone filled with disgust.
“Augh, no. I didn't mean keeping it in the family like that. I mean just talk to each other, you know? The moment you two met you were trading barbs in under a minute. That's not healthy!” Future Luna exclaimed, the mare throwing her hooves up in disgust.
“Perhaps we were a bit… quick to anger,” past Luna reluctantly admitted.
“It's worse than that. You two have barely spoken to one another outside of an official capacity for several years at this point. How do you expect to maintain a healthy relationship when the only time you see each other is when you are assuming the role of the leader of the nation?” Future Luna concluded.
The two sisters exchanged a tired look and in the other’s eyes, they saw a deep well of guilt.
“I suppose you are right,” Celestia murmured.
“Indeed. I have not thought about it like that,” past Luna added.
“Just make a concerted effort to share a meal, and chat. Maybe indulge in some of that foreign leaf water Celestia likes. It's not as bad as you think. Just add a bit of sugar,” Luna exclaimed, turning her gaze to her doppelganger.
“I guess,” past Luna muttered.
“Right, well that's settled. Now, I should be off before I accidentally ruin something and really mess up the timeline,” Lun declared.
“Wait!” Celestia called. “Starswirl said that returning to a timeline that may not exist would cause the individual’s death.”
“Or at the bare minimum the erasing of their memories, and absorption of their consciousness by the past slash current self,” past Luna added.
“I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. For now, I have one final piece of advice,” future Luna began. “Celestia, you have extraordinary foresight, but our memory is perfect, the past to us is preserved forever in amber. So although you may be able to see what is coming, your plans are imperfect without our addition. We were meant to rule together for a reason, and not just because putting all this power into one pony is a bad idea.”
“I… thank you,” Celestia exclaimed, bowing her head slightly.
“I as well. It is heartening to know that I become such an intelligent and strong-willed individual. Or at least would have… I’m not sure how this is going to work,” past Luna stated, her confidence waning with every word she spoke.
“Eh, you’ll figure it out,” future Luna muttered.
She then lit her horn and began attempting to cast the spell which would return her back to her own time. Though travel backward in time had only ever been theoretical, Luna had memorized Starswirl’s return spell intimately. It too was theoretical, though it was theoretical due to the possibility of it ever being needed and not because it was so power-intensive that it was impossible to cast like its twin.
With power burning bright about her horn, Luna finished the last of her calculations but did not release the spell. Her focus was drawn by the two sisters, and the way they stood next to one another without a hint of distrust. There would be growing pains and trouble in their future, but knowing that Luna had helped them avoid the worst mistake of their life was empowering. So with the possibility of ego death or just regular death looming, she concluded the ritual.
There was a pop, and a bright flash of light, though when it dissipated, Luna remained. Now confused, she cast the spell a second time to the same effect.
“Huh,” future Luna muttered, turning to her doppelganger and her sibling. “Don't suppose you two have a couch I could crash on for a while eh?”
“Huh,” future Luna muttered, turning to her doppelganger and her sibling. “Don't suppose you two have a couch I could crash on for a while, eh?”
“What is a couch and why would you want to crash on it?” Past Luna muttered in confusion.
“It’s… It doesn't matter,” Luna exclaimed. “It just seems as though I am stuck here, for the moment anyway.”
“You did seem to perform the spell properly,” Celestia added.
“I will need to research the spell and see where I could have gone wrong. Though for now, this leaves us with an interesting opportunity,” Luna began, a grin crossing her face.
“Opportunity. What do you mean?” Past Luna inquired.
“Well I was able to keep you all from dodging one major issue perhaps my presence could help you avoid more while at the same time, I work on returning to my own timeline,” Luna offered, glancing at her past sibling and past self.
“Your presence would be appreciated. Especially since we’ll have to dedicate considerable time to dismantling the inquisition,” Celestia offered, nodding to her Luna.
“Very true,” past Luna agreed. “Our time will be split and having such a capable… uh… advisor? Will make things easier.”
“Oh yeah, we should probably work that out,” future Luna murmured. “Okay, what about this? We swear the guards to secrecy, we lock this guy up in a deep dark cell, and I take on a disguise.”
“That would make things easier. The ponies of Equestria already have enough confusion around our reign. No need to add a third princess to the mix,” Celestia remarked.
“Oh yeah that won't happen for over a thousand years anyway,” Luna dismissed.
“Wait what was that last part?” Past Luna inquired.
“Not important right now,” future Luna declared. “What is important is that we move quickly. Get everyone either sworn to secrecy or-”
Future Luna paused to kick the bound and gagged stallion lying on the ground.
“In some hole so deep he will never crawl out,” future Luna finished.
“An excellent idea, though I must ask. What manner of disguise are you thinking of?” Celestia inquired. “Perhaps a unicorn would be best. A court wizard is the only position that can hold court while we are not present and the position is currently vacant.”
“Oh that's right,”future Luna muttered. “We were about to phase out that position entirely before the whole… everything happened.”
“Can we go back to the part where you mentioned there being another alicorn? I feel like that was important,” past Luna pressed.
“Look it's a long story but there were two more alicorns only they weren't born alicorns. There was this spell and look let's just talk about this later okay? It’s kind of a whole thing,” Future Luna dismissed.
“I must agree with your future self. Best we discuss such matters behind closed doors,” Celestia stressed, glancing pointedly at the captured stallion lying at their hooves.
“Hmm, fair enough,” past Luna acquiesced.
“As for my disguise, I think a court wizard will be perfect. And I will use the alter ego I’ve employed to get senior discounts at the buffet in Shady Springs,” future Luna declared.
She then lit her horn, and after a brief flash, was replaced with an elderly unicorn mare with a silver mane, white fur, and bright blue eyes. Though she had crow's feet at the edge of her eyes, visible wrinkles, and other signs of age, the alicorn’s new form was to most ponies, appealing. To add to the disguise, Luna had even replaced her cutie mark with one of plain silver ring adorned by a small azure gemstone.
“I am Shining Silver. Mage extraordinaire, and master of the divinitory arts,” future Luna, now Shining Silver, declared.
“A bit flamboyant, but I like it,” Past Luna, now just Luna remarked. “But it feels familiar for some reason.”
“Yes. Have you based this form on some future person perhaps?” Celestia added.
“I may have taken some creative liberties with a fashionable mare whom I knew quite well,” Shining Silver murmured. “But that doesn't matter. We need to move quickly before word has a chance to spread and this secret gets out before the day is even through.”
“Good point,” Celestia muttered. “Perhaps I should remain here and speak to our guards while Luna and L-I mean Shining Silver move to contain any mention of you from amongst the town and the small group of soldiers we had already sent after the imp.”
“Agreed,” Luna added. “Shining. Where do you think we should start first?”
“The manor home,” Shining Silver exclaimed. “Though none saw my approach I was less than subtle after I had acquired our little devil dealer.”
“Then that is where we shall begin,” Luna declared.
“I’m assuming you know what happens now,” Celestia whispered in a low tone.
“Of course,” Shining Silver replied. “I stand behind this curtain until you’ve had a chance to open court and introduce me.”
“And after that, you do a bit of a display of your power to win the favor of our vasals. Earning their respect if not trust,” Celestia continued.
“Have you given much thought to what routine you had in mind?” Luna asked in a hushed whisper.
“I will dispense with the usual flashy display of lightning and stick with a show of my divination specialty by divvying out advice using my advanced knowledge of the future,” Shining Silver replied. “Honestly dears it's like we haven't discussed this a dozen times over the past week.”
Both Celestia and Luna exchanged a somewhat nervous glance behind the small shadowed corner of the throne room.
“We admit this is a bit nerve-wracking,” Celestia murmured.
“It was difficult work to ensure no word of your presence escaped and though your promissory spell worked wonders on our guards and what few staff saw you we cannot help but worry,” Luna admitted.
“Promissory? Oh, the gease spell. Yes, that has made things easier with the guards but it can't be used on the unwilling unfortunately like our little jailbird. But getting back to your point I really wouldn't worry about it,” Shining Silver exclaimed. “You have done an excellent job keeping a lid on things and with all the work I’ve done on my illusion I’m absolutely certain no one can see through my disguise. Why, magic necessary to dismiss such a complex false face won't even exist for a few hundred years at the earliest.”
“That does ease our worries somewhat,” Celestia remarked.
“You will both do fine. Trust me,” Shining Silver declared, stressing the final two words.
“We do,” Luna replied. “Let us open court. I’m sure they are getting quite antsy out there.”
“Agreed,” added Celestia.
With that, the two princesses departed, slipping out of the small curtained-off area and into the wider room. With them gone, Shining Silver breathed a sigh of relief and made a mental note to do something about their confidence. She had known it was an issue they shared but the troubles of her own past had obscured just how prevalent this little problem had truly been.
Brushing off that concern for the moment, Shining conjured a mirror and gave her appearance quick once over. Her illusion was perfect, and she looked exactly as she had the moment she had first donned her disguise. Now though, a layer of perception spells overlaid it, as well as more than a few charms meant to ensure it would not be removed by accident.
The sheer amount of magic would likely give most casters of the day a headache either due to the incredible number of calculations as well as the raw power that had gone into such a relatively simple disguise. Why just the plain dark blue cloak she wore to make her appear more humble was a complex weave of enchantments unreplicable in current days. For a moment Shining Silver wondered if it was even a good idea to utilize such spellwork given the times she existed within but that thought was also pushed aside.
Focusing on the event to come, she peered through a thin crack in the curtain. The throne room beyond was as she remembered it from her distant past. Though the sight of it made a small hint of regret and guilt worm through her chest, Shining Silver quashed it quickly.
Donning a more critical eye, she looked out over the room once more.
Beside her lay the thirteen steps of empire at the top of which stood two ornate chairs now occupied by Luna and Celestia. These thirteen steps symbolized the thirteen realms that had been under the rule of the former ruler, the last king of the unicorns. This small feature was endemic in Shining’s mind of the former master of Equestria and stood out as one of the things that needed to change.
Each golden step was enchanted to make a slightly different sound when stepped on and they were topped by lavish carpet made from the fur of many thousands of slaves. It was ridiculous and downright silly in Shining Silver’s opinion and that was without even considering the fact that there were more than thirteen realms nowadays. When the two alicorns finally listened to her and remodeled the throne room those damnable steps would be the first to go.
Plus they were odd sizes which had always made her trip up them.
Shining forced her gaze elsewhere, pointedly not looking at the gold and jewel-encrusted thrones so gaudy they made the disguised alicorn’s eyes hurt. Rather she looked outward, ignoring the marble palace walls, the grand diamond studded chandelier that hung overhead, and all the other irritating facets of the former unicorn king’s throne room. All such petty details were brushed aside, and added to a list of things she would ensure were changed before she departed this timeline.
Instead, she focused her gaze on the ponies that were slowly filing in from the large double doors at the far end of the marble hall. Most were nobles, marked by their elaborate dress and the fact that they were fully clothed while most wore little. Some were merchants powerful and wealthy enough to earn their place as minor vassals in league with the larger houses. Though not quite as well dressed as the masters they served, they all wore something around their necks, symbolizing their subservience to those who owned their allegiance.
The colorful display of fashion the likes of which Shining had not seen for centuries was intriguing but not her focus. Rather it was those who wore such articles of clothing as well as the lay ponies that stood at the back of the room that most stole Shining’s attention. Mostly staff of the castle, their inclusion was mostly ceremonial as their approval was not considered important, and thus they were granted little room to stand.
Despite this, they were the happiest by far, due in no small part because they had not been forced to march halfway across the country to witness the appointment of a court wizard, like their noble cousins. Still, the sight of their grinning faces brought a small warmth to Shining Silver, who recognized more than a few of them. Unlike the land owners and guild masters that stood in front of them, these common folk didn't care about Luna’s tactless attitude or utter absence of patience.
While Celestia used her boundless energy to wade through convoluted courtly manners and suffer the sting of veiled insults with grace, Luna had ignored them entirely. She had seen that it was the lower strata of ponykind that held true power, though that realization had admittedly been born of a childish dismissal of the boring aristocracy. While today the few held authority over the many, there would come a time when that changed, though far too late in Shining Silver’s opinion.
The elder alicorn’s musings came to an abrupt end when the doors to the throne room closed, and the trumpets blared. With the twin cries of brass, still echoing throughout the hall, both Celestia and Luna stood up from their thrones. The moment this happened, everyone, both pauper and prince alike, bowed their heads to the two rulers.
“Rise, children of Equestria,” Celestia began.
“And set thy worries aside. Today is a momentous occasion,” Luna added.
“For we have finally found a genius worthy of replacing Starswirl the bearded as our court wizard,” Celestia proclaimed.
“But before we begin, we must make several announcements of a most pressing nature,” Luna stated.
“A great victory has been achieved and with it peace at-” Celestia continued.
Shining Silver tuned the pair’s announcements out and focused all of her attention on the ponies filling the majority of the throne room. Celestia and Luna’s joint proclamation concerning the events of their most recent investigation were important but Shining knew such things already. More important were the crowds' reactions, especially those whom Shining had little memory of.
The declaration of victory over the last of the demonic holdouts was a cause for celebration but not all in attendance seemed elated. Sure everyone looked happy, but Shining could see the undercurrents of discontent that most could not. The clench of a mare’s jaw, the fervent whispers of a lord into his aide’s ear, and the quiet grumble of a pony whose plans had been foiled, all were heard or seen by the disguised alicorn.
Investigations would need to be had, and assurances made in the wake of the announcement. They were entering unforeseen territory, with history shifting beneath their hooves at this very moment. More importantly, questions were being asked about the role of the Inquisition given that it no longer had a purpose. Though that question would be answered in time, a consistory would need to be held and the various lord inquisitors summoned to the capitol. That particular announcement would not be delivered quite yet, for now, preparations needed to be made, and plans put in place.
The inquisition would not be brought down quickly, nor would it be a clean break even with Silver’s foresight into the matter. Most, Silver knew, would become an early version of the modern police after disbanding while others would break off and form into bands of raiders. Though she knew which troublemakers would be the worst, Silver didn't know how things would turn out this time around.
Silver made a mental note to begin assembling a list of the worst offenders that her counterpart and past sibling would need to contend with. That would need to come later, as Silver could hear that the announcements were coming to a close and her time was quickly arriving.
“And so we move to the main topic of today’s event. The appointment of our new court wizard,” Luna began.
“Though none here know her, Silver’s contributions to the capture of the traitorous warlock were significant,” Celestia added.
“Her skills are beyond reproach, as is her loyalty. And yes we know this is sudden, but we ask that you give her a chance,” Luna proclaimed, adding a bit of royal weight to her words.
“With that, we give you Shining Silver, mage exemplar, and master of divination,” Celestia stated, her magic pulling aside the curtain.
Silver strode forward, a small but confident smile on her face. As she moved to the center of the room, she took in the reaction of the crowd. Most seemed neutral, but there were a few who did not believe she could match the previous court wizard, Starswirl the bearded.
“Shining Silver, do you know the oath of office for a court wizard?” Celestia inquired.
“I do,” Shining Silver replied.
“Then you may proceed by making your oath in view of all of Equestria,” Luna declared, gesturing to the gathered crowd of ponies.
“I, Shining Silver, do swear by Celestia, the sun. Luna, the moon, and by the gods both new and old, making them my witness, that I will carry out, according to my ability and judgment this oath and this indenture,” Silver began, making sure to have her gaze sweep slowly across the room, meeting each eye that sought out her own. “I will use what magic I know in the benefit of Equestria according to my greatest ability and judgment and I will do no harm or injustice to her or her ponies.”
“Neither will I use my magics to hurt those I have sworn to protect even should they ask me to do so. Nor will I suggest such a course,” Silver continued. “But I will keep pure and holy both my life and my art. I will take up the sword not even, verily, upon the enemies of Equestria but I will give place to such whose place it is to fight.”
“Into whatsoever house I enter I will enter to help the sick, and aid the downtrodden. I will abstain from all intentional wrongdoing and harm, especially from abusing the bodies of those who seek my aid be they bond or free,” Silver proclaimed. “And whatsoever I shall see or hear in the course of my profession as well as outside my profession in my intercourse with ponies if it be what should not be published abroad, I will never divulge, holding such things to be holy secrets.”
I really should make efforts to remove all these lingering religious connotations, Silver thought to herself before continuing.
“Now if I carry out this oath, and break it not, may I gain for ever reputation among all ponies for my life and for my art; but if I break it and forswear myself, may the opposite befall me,” Silver continued, bowing her head to the gathered audience. “So I do swear.”
The throne was quiet for several seconds before Celestia spoke up.
“Do all present bear witness to the oath of office?” Asked the alicorn.
“Aye!” came the resounding answer of those present.
“Then from this moment forward you shall be our advisor and confidant, expert and administrator,” Luna exclaimed. “Raise your head and accept your badge of office, the white stave.”
Luna reached back behind their thrones and produced a long wooden staff that seemed oddly natural at first glance. At one end it was capped with a silvery metal while the other became a gnarled mass of roots that clutched a peice of polished quartz. The item itself was brought forward, and Celestia held aloft the other end, symbolizing further the shared nature of this position.
I almost forgot about Starswirl’s favorite walking stick, Silver thought to herself.
“I accept this gift with honor and humility,” Silver exclaimed, gracefully taking the offered staff from her past self and Celestia.
“Now then,” Celestia began anew. “Though you have earned our trust Equestria does not know you. Please, make thine power known to all.”
Silver smiled, and with stave in hand began to walk toward the back of the room. As she moved the confusion of the ponies became palpable but despite the increasing fervor of the growing whispers, Silver pushed forward. She stopped at the back of the space and fixed the confused guard standing at the door with a firm look.
“Your lack of confidence will get you killed. Astral Claw,” Silver began. “You are more skilled than you give yourself credit for, face this fact or leave the service of the crown.”
Without waiting for a response, she turned and looked to another pony.
“You are a skilled stone mason, but an even better sculptor, finish your contract at the castle, and after, embrace your talent. Success will come as surely as the dawn,” Silver continued.
The confused stone worker just stood there, too baffled to say a word.
“The lost deed to your family’s farm lies in the ruins of your family home. Safe but buried beneath the rubble. Seek it out,” Silver exclaimed.
Without missing a beat she continued down the line.
“Your lucky hammer was dropped down the well by your son who was too embarrassed to admit it to you. Forgive him, find it, and you will all be happier,” Silver declared.
The blacksmith seemed confused, then enraged but that anger was quickly quenched. Around her, Silver could hear that the doubt and confusion she had detected earlier was beginning to wane. Even still, there was a long way to go, though she didn't mind, as dispensing advice felt good like a load was being removed from her shoulders.
“Your cutie mark is a quill, not a feather. You are a skilled flier but an even better writer,” Silver pressed on, her gaze briefly settling on a watch pony standing amidst the gathered staff.
“Tell her you love her, she loves you too,” Silver added.
From one pony to the next she rattled off advice, barely giving the individual a chance to gasp in shock before continuing on.
“You’re parents do approve of your union, stop second-guessing yourself.”
“Your bumb leg is easily cured. Go to your apothecary and request Nightweave extract. Apply to the limb twice a day in small doses and within a weak you should have full use of it once more.”
“The best years of your life are ahead of you, do not miss them by staying lost in the past.”
“He would want you to be happy. Remarry, you will not regret it.”
“Reinforce that old timber you keep ignoring. You will regret not doing so. Immensely.”
“Your husband isn't cheating on you, he's playing nerdy games with his friends and is too embarrassed to say it. Trust him.”
“It is not strange to desire a herd, stop overthinking it. Monogamy may be in fashion now but that is only due to the lingering influence of the old unicornian customs of marriage.”
“You are loved you are wanted, you are not a burden, and what you are feeling is normal. Seek out your friends and family, the weight on your shoulders can be lifted. This too shall pass.”
Silver stopped abruptly upon facing a mare with plucked eyebrows, no eyelashes, and almost perfectly ovoid features.
“That style will last only a few months more. Ditch it now, trust me,” Silver exclaimed, briefly touching the other mare’s shoulder.
“Don't go boar hunting on the thirteenth.”
“Do not trust your uncle. He does not have your best intentions at heart.”
“It is not advisable, nor wise to throw a party so large that it bankrupts your entire family.”
“You’re second son is planning on killing your eldest in order to become heir, stop him.”
“No, keeping it in the family does not make your offspring more magically powerful. Stop that.”
As she continued moving from one pony to the next, the nervous confused atmosphere quickly morphed into one of anticipation. The distrust of this strange newcomer ebbed and with it came an intense desire to know what advice this seer had to offer. Not all struggled to contain their excitement, however, as one stallion suddenly broke the relative silence by trying to sprint out of the room.
“He is the one who slew his wife!” Silver boomed.
The stallion skidded to a stop in front of the guards, and for a moment seemed ready to fight or perhaps flee in another direction. Only for a bolt of magic shot from the horn of Luna, to send him sprawling to the floor, limbs twitching as electricity arced through his body.
“The stable boy is innocent, and is the true father of this stallion’s son,” Silver continued, gesturing to the spasming male on the ground.
“That cheating bitch deserved it,” he spat before his eyes rolled back into his head and he fell unconscious.
“She sought comfort in the embrace of another because she would never find it in you. Had you a heart with which to share she would have never left you,” Silver proclaimed, with venom in her voice.
“Now then,” Silver began again, turning back to a noble who flinched under her gaze. “Mister Merryweather. Though your poetry is frankly trite, your skill in crafting stories for children is exceptional. Yes, you may not be as well respected but with the proceeds of your books you will be able to refill your family’s coffers and better defend the lands you have been charged with protecting.”
“Duchess Light Touch, your mother did not abandon you, she was eaten by wolves during a walk in the forest,” Silver continued.
On and on she went with the gathered ponies, including both Celestia and Luna, looking on in awe as their new wizard dropped truth after truth without even pausing to breathe.
Though not all were happy to see the arrival of this strange mare that had supposedly spent almost her entire life living as a hermit and practicing magic, none were less glad for her appearance than the former lord Ostre. Locked within one of the ill-used cells of the castle dungeon he lay on his cold stone bed, forelegs crossed over his chest. A tiny window barely larger than his hoof allowed in only a few stray strands of light, barely enough to illuminate the cramped quarters of his new home. There was no toilet, or sink, only a metal pan that lay tucked beneath bed and a small rusted fountain that spat coppery water when the attached button was pressed.
Where most would succumb to terror and regret, the former lord felt no such feelings, only hate and bitter resentment. He didn't know how long it would take or how he’d do it but he swore he’d escape, and when he did, he was going to kill the mare that had ruined all his plans. Nothing else mattered, not his plans for immortality, not his desire for conquest and domination.
Shining Silver strode down the hallway, passing banners for factions defeated during the founding of Equestria. The hall was called the something of remembrance, but Luna chose not to recall the name as it was pompous. So much of the castle had been decorated for intimidation that nearly every square inch was dedicated to some grisly fact or event.
“They really should redecorate,” Silver muttered. “I know they inherited this castle, and most of the decor when they took power but that is no excuse to keep all this morbid trash.”
Silver’s sour mood lifted when she passed by a maid, the other mare giving her an unrestrained smile. The court wizard nodded in return, recalling that she had aided the passerby in locating a lost heirloom during her show of power only a day ago. The grin on her face was worth any potential ramifications to the timeline, though if that would hold true in the future, Shining couldn't know.
“Good morning gentle stallion,” Silver greeted, nodding to the door guard standing nearby.
The young male perked up and turned to the court wizard, snapping out of his own distracting internal thoughts. The moment his gaze settled on her, his eyes opened and another wide smile graced the face of someone Shining Silver had met.
“Ahh court wizard. Apologies for not noticing you there. I’m afraid your advice has left me a bit distracted,” he remarked.
“Well it's not every day one is forced to reckon with the fact that they were not meant for the pony they thought they were,” Silver replied.
“It seems almost silly now but I had just assumed you were supposed to be miserable when you got married,” mused the guard, a wry smile coming to his face. “It certainly was that way with my parents.”
“Yes well. I hope that you’ve begun to rectify that particular issue,” Silver prompted.
“Oh yes. Immediately,” the guard declared, bobbing his head. “Right after the show of power was over I ran home and divorced her on the spot.”
“And? Do go on,” Silver pressed.
“I just realized I am boring the court wizard with my personal life. Apologies, master,” the guard exclaimed, ducking into a deep, apologetic bow.
“Master? Oh yes right I am the master of the arcane arts. I had nearly forgotten about how that old title came with being declared a court wizard,” Shining Silver mused aloud.
“I beg your pardon?” inquired the guard.
“It is nothing, sir Round Shield,” Shining Silver retorted, waving a dismissive hoof in the air. “But please do tell me how things have gone since then. I am curious to see how the fates have shifted.”
“Well…” Round Shield’s nervous expression morphed into one of utter joy. “She denied my request, but was absolutely thrilled by it.”
“Oh? That sounds… contradictory,” Silver pointed out.
“Yeah, but we both really really care for each other but not like that you know. We got married at fifteen, the very moment we became adults and we’ve been together ever since,” Round Shield exclaimed, becoming more and more animate with every word he spoke.
Another cultural norm I intend on shifting. Honestly, ponies are barely adults at eighteen never mind three years earlier. Silver thought to herself.
“So we both agreed to stay together and even remain married despite the whole, not actually being interested in one another thing,” Round Shield continued. “But we plan on dating other ponies, and sure it may end up a bit confusing if we both find someone or someones but we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”
“That is wonderful to hear,” Silver professed. “The fates spoke that you were not meant to be together but they did not elaborate further. It is good to see that you are maneuvering these troubled waters with grace.”
“Oh me too. Why just this morning I woke up feeling positively giddy. My wife has started calling me a gigglemug,” remarked the stallion with a smile.
“But you appeared so pensive before,” Silver pointed out.
“I’m as happy as can be but there is still much left to consider,” Round Shield murmured.
“I am certain you will figure it out in time. You have already set the winds of fate aflutter with your decisions. When they settle I am confident ever greater happiness will find you and your wife,” Silver exclaimed, reaching forward and patting the stallion on the shoulder.
“I don't know if that's a good thing. If I smile any wider I may split my face in half,” replied the guard with a hearty chuckle.
Silver shared the laugh as she passed him by and entered the room beyond, opening the door with her magic. Once inside, she used a spell to ensure no one could eavesdrop on any conversation had within. With that secure, she glanced around the area, her eager eyes taking in the familiar room.
The walls were a blue so light it was nearly white, while the floors were a dark polished wood. Alabaster panels framed with the same oak that she now stood on covered the ceiling, making the room feel larger then it was. To her right lay an ornate fireplace overlooked two long couches a shade lighter than the brown that surrounded Silver.
There were a few other tables and a small backroom that was barely larger than a bathroom. Only a single large window was present, though it was mostly hidden behind a curtain the same color as the walls. The entire place was light, airy in a way, and lit by golden chandeliers that hung from the ceiling.
It was also occupied, with its two inhabitants standing near the back, hovering over a kettle. Celestia and Luna looked tired but energized, their usual royal garb having been discarded on a nearby table.
“And you are sure this tastes pleasant?” Luna asked. “Because that last one you gave me was quite vile.”
“Gunpowder green tea is a bit of an acquired taste I admit but this one is different,” Celestia declared, tapping the cup. “This is an orange pekoe that I’ve sweetened with a twist of citrus and a spoonful of sugar.”
“I do enjoy orange,” Luna murmured.
“You’ll like it,” Silver declared. “Though I’d advise putting in a second spoonful of sugar. For the moment Celestia does not appreciate the pleasure of sweets.”
“Ha, now that is most amusing,” Luna remarked with a chuckle.
“But I will, in time?” Celestia inquired.
“It is a double-edged sword,” Luna began, walking over to the pair and pouring herself a cup of the orange pekoe tea. “You will learn to love it but that realization will come due to a bout of stress eating.”
“Stress eating?” Celestia murmured.
“It is the unfortunate habit of eating when stressed,” Luna replied.
“Well that much was obvious,” Celestia muttered bitterly.
“You hear that Celestia?” Luna prodded, poking her sibling in the side. “Soon you shall take on the mantle of big sister in another manner.”
Celestia smacked Luna’s hoof away and frowned.
“I do not fear this outcome, though I am curious about the circumstances. You have yet to clearly discuss this great schism you keep hinting at,” Celestia added, glancing at Silver.
Behind her, Luna took her cup, added a second spoonful of sugar, and then took a sip. Though she seemed surprised and confused, a smile quickly grew on her face and she went back for another mouthful of the sweet liquid.
“You know enough,” Silver retorted. “I do not want your relationship tainted by events that will now never come to pass.”
“Be happy, sister,” Luna declared. “We have avoided a great crisis and a potential civil war. If it were not for the nature of this former future I would have ordered a week of feasting and celebration.”
“I suppose,” Celestia murmured.
Silver lit her horn, and poured Celestia a cup of the same sweet tea, though she added no extra sugar.
“Sit, drink. Put the future past behind us and focus on what is to come,” Silver urged.
“A more confusing statement has not been uttered,” Celestia remarked with a chuckle.
“But poetic,” Luna added.
“True,” Celestia agreed.
The trio took their seats around the table closest to the window. They then began to sip quietly at their drinks, each busy thinking of something vastly different from the other. Luna wondered how she could best celebrate in private while Celestia worried ceaselessly about what now would not be. Silver thought about the return spell while also adding to the ever-growing list of things she wished to change before she departed this time period.
“So,” Celestia began, somewhat hesitantly. “The call for a meeting of the lord inquisitors has been put out, and though it will take some months for them to assemble, I was wondering if you had a plan for dealing with them?”
“Oh yes,” Silver answered. “Most will take little pressure or pandering to retire to their manors and leave the secret war behind but there will be troublemakers.”
“Should we ready the army?” Luna pressed.
“Yes, but not over the inquisitors,” Silver declared. “Several small, elite squads of highly trained individuals would be more effective to handle those particular ruffians.”
“How so? Would not a larger force raise our chances for success?” Celestia inquired.
“An army requires upkeep, and can be seen coming. A blade that strikes from the dark when the time is right requires one one-thousandth of the bits to supply,” Silver retorted, waggling a hoof at the other alicorns. “Most of the lower ranking inquisitors would be all too happy to return to civilian life but they are bound by either oath or duty to their corrupt superiors. If they were freed from these obligations, however…”
“They would disperse without issue,” Luna finished.
“Exactly,” Silver declared, raising her teacup and taking a long, sip.
“Such underhanded tactics would besmirch our name should they be discovered,” Celestia declared, upper lip curled in disgust.
“If,” Silver stressed. “But they will not. For they will be armed with spells this world would not have normally seen for a thousand years. However, this is a topic for another time. For now, we must return to the question of the army.”
“Yes, you mentioned they would be needed. What exactly were you referring to?” Luna asked.
“The griffon king attacked Equestria during our little civil conflict but this assault was not launched out of pure opportunity but rather a desperate bid to take land and secure the legacy of its dying king,” Silver pointed out.
“Black Beak is barely middle-aged. He isn't dying of anything other than being an irritating boor with the manners of a common hog,” Luna exclaimed with a snort.
“Let me guess. His years of drinking and sleeping around have caught up with him?” Celestia added.
“Yes. His liver is failing and though his shamans can draw out his demise, the reaper will have his due all the same,” Silver answered.
“Which leaves him with no legacy save for deposing the former king in a bloody coup, forever marking the Ebon Wind clan as little more than thieves,” Celestia mused.
“In my timeline, he is revered as a brilliant commander, and the lands he will claim in a few years time remain in his hands for over a millennia afterward,” Silver concluded.
“Augh. Is it not enough that he spends every international meeting harassing me but now he seeks to claim a portion of our kingdom? I’ll slay him in his very stronghold and send a message that we are not to be trifled with,” Luna declared.
“Harassing? Oh, I had almost forgotten about that little tryst of ours,” Silver mused aloud. “His performance wasn't exactly noteworthy.”
“Tryst?” Celestia asked only to grin. “So that's why you stopped volunteering to meet with the griffons! I knew something was up after you came home more bitter than usual.”
“Celestia wasn't supposed to know about that, Silver,” Luna hissed.
“If it makes you feel any better Celestia slept with the minotaur ambassador for years without telling me. I myself only discovered it over a thousand years after the fact when we visited her tomb,” Silver remarked with a shrug.
“Wait, her?” Luna asked, only to gasp. “I knew something was up with you and Bright Hammer!” Luna proclaimed, pointing an accusatory hoof at her sister. “No wonder you were keenly interested in interracial marriage for a time.”
“You really should repeal those old laws by the way. I know they aren't used but the fact that they remain at all will come back to bite you,” Silver declared, pausing to take a sip of her tea.
“I… but you… augh!” Celestia muttered. “To think I’ve been undone by my own loose-lipped future self. Damn her.”
“Oh you two were so cute together,” Luna remarked, only to frown. “Wait, why didn't you go through with it? I know it wouldn't have been… politically expedient to say the least but you were always headstrong when it came to love.”
“She can't inherit the rulership of her clan if she marries outside of it,” Celestia murmured in a cold, bitter tone. “It’s for the best I suppose. She has quite a beautiful family now. Or so I’ve heard.”
“What year is it again…” Silver muttered only to perk up a moment later. “Oh yes, she would have just had her second by now.”
“Yes, she… Wait, why are we talking about this again?” Celestia asked.
“Don't you dare think of changing the subject before you’ve told me more about your own dirty little secret! Was she the master in the relationship or were you?” Luna asked, smirking all the while. “I always had you pegged as… what word does the youth use… serflike?”
“We are not talking about my love life, nevermind my bedroom proclivities” Celestia hissed, face a beat red.
“The coming war with the griffons,” Silver intruded, adding a bit of extra force to the statement. “You may be able to avoid this by giving him a transfer, or curing him outright, but I doubt he would allow a pony to aid him in such a manner. Their warrior tradition would never permit such a thing.”
“That may be, but I think I could make him see reason,” Celestia declared. “Though I would like to know more about this transfer you mentioned.”
“Actually I think Luna would be best suited to this task,” Silver replied, turning to the now confused past version of herself. “He would never let his guard down around Celestia, but you… he just might.”
“Nuh-uh, no way. I am not going near that brash fool ever again!” Luna proclaimed, her voice quivering.
“Think of our ponies Luna. think of all the lives that will be saved should war be averted,” Celestia professed. “Surely you would not damn them all to oblivion over your pride.”
Luna stood resolute for a second or two before crumpling, her shoulders falling inward and a long exhale escaping her lips.
“No,” Luna murmured. “And as much as I hate to admit it, I would stand the best chance at convincing him against his warmongering ways. Though he would have had to have started arming even a winter or two ago at this point…”
“That is true. Even should he be cured, the momentum may carry his nation forward regardless,” Silver muttered.
“That is a concern for later I suppose,” Luna stated with a shrug.
“This just leaves us with the coming meeting of the various lord inquisitors, does it not?” Celestia asked.
“It does and with the notes I shall supply you I think you’ll be able to dissolve things without major conflict,” Silver remarked.
“They do hold me in high regard. Which does not feel quite as pleasant to admit as it used to,” Celestia murmured, half to herself.
“At least it shall be over soon in that case,” Luna pointed out. “They have all but declared Celestia to be their spiritual if not literal leader at this point.”
“Don't remind me. Though I am glad for the perspective you’ve given me Silver it does not take away from the sting of nearly becoming some manner of pseudo-deity without my consent,” Celestia stated.
“Only time can do that,” Silver replied.
A sudden knock drew all three alicorn’s attention to the door.
“Enter,” Silver called, lighting her horn and dismissing the barrier.
“Hello? It's Paper Trail. I have some unfortunate news,” muttered a nervous mare that barely looked old enough to be an adult.
“Come in, come in. Tell us of this grave news,” Luna encouraged.
The teal, white, and seafoam green mare entered the room fully.
“I umm, it's well not good,” Paper Trail muttered.
“So you’ve already said,” Celestia deadpanned.
The young pony winced, hiding behind her long bangs cut straight across her face.
“I uh, well you see…” she murmured.
“Take a deep breath and tell us what has happened,” Silver ordered.
The mare nodded, and did just that, taking a long slow inhale before letting it out, releasing all her built-up stress.
“The imp escaped,” murmured the messenger, already wincing, as if expecting to be struck.
“That is most unfortunate,” Luna murmured. “If it is not contained, and returned to Tartarus quickly it will undermine our proclamation of victory over the demons.”
“It uh, it gets worse,” muttered Paper Trail.
“It gets worse, how?” Silver demanded, her tone harsh and her glare harsher still.
“It probably escaped yesterday or perhaps even earlier,” whispered the messenger, voice barely even audible.
“How is this possible?” Celestia demanded. “We had it secured in the finest of blessed silver.”
“We… we don't know but it managed to escape and replaced itself with an illusion. We only just now noticed that it was gone,” Paper Trail exclaimed, falling to her knees and weeping. “Please forgive me I am just the messenger.”
Silver rose and strode over to the cowering woman, looming over her. From the sidelines both Luna and Celestia looked on, silently worried over what their court wizard may do.
“Is that all the news you bring us?” Silver demanded.
The other mare nodded mutely, eyes tinged with unshed tears.
“Then repeat after me,” Silver began, horn aglow with arcane energy. “I came to ask for the afternoon away from work and no other reason.”
“I came to ask for the afternoon away from work and no other reason,” mimicked Paper Trail, the pony’s eyes swirling unnaturally.
Silver reached down and hoisted the other mare from the floor, before dabbing her eyes dry with a handkerchief stolen from a nearby table.
“When Shining Silver claps her hooves I will thank Celestia and Luna for giving me the afternoon off,” Silver prompted, and Paper Trail repeated.
Shining Silver let her magic dissipate before clapping her hooves twice.
Paper Trail blinked twice and looked around in a confused, worried state. Then her eyes widened and a smile spread across her face.
“Oh thank you so much your majesties,” she proclaimed, ducking into a low bow. “For some reason this morning has been quite stressful and I feel as though I should seek out the apothecary.”
“An excellent idea wouldn't you say, so sister?” Luna remarked, kicking her sister in the knee from under the table.
“Ahh yes. An excellent decision. Have a wonderful rest of the day,” Celestia added.
“I will, thank you again,” Paper Trail muttered, ducking into one last bow before departing.
Once the barrier on the door was replaced, and their privacy was secured, Shining Silver released a long sigh.
“Celestia, you’ll have to handle this issue before it gets out of hoof,” Shining Silver began, turning back around and facing the two alicorns. “You’re magic is more easily bent to the task of dealing with the demonic.”
“Are you sure that is wise?” Celestia asked. “Even if the hunt is concluded quickly and successfully I would likely be unable to return in time for our meeting with the lord inquisitors.”
“I shall handle that myself,” Silver declared.
“And the management of the kingdom? You will handle that as well?” Luna inquired, her tone carrying a soft undercurrent of accusation that Silver bristled at.
“If you think I am attempting to rob you of your positions you need not worry. I have already given up on ruling a nation and retired from public life once and would love nothing more than to do so again,” Silver retorted.
“You will forgive the implication then, as it sure seems as though you are attempting to grasp the wheels of power as it were,” Luna remarked, her shoulders stiff and her gaze narrow.
“Come now sister this is not the time for bickering,” Celestia intruded. “We need to handle the various issues arrayed before us, and quickly.”
“I suppose you are right,” Luna admitted with a sigh of defeat.
“You are right to be cautious but you need not be guarded around me,” Silver offered. “Though you relish in the pleasures of command, and control. I have long since given up on such things.”
“So you say,” Luna remarked, rising from her seat. “Come, sister. We shall prepare for our excursions together.”
“We should head for the dungeons first. Perhaps that foul demonic creature has left behind clues to where it has headed,” Celestia offered.
“An excellent idea,” Luna admitted.
The pair passed Silver by, one staring accusatory at the other pony while the other seemed apologetic. The disguised alicorn merely sipped her tea, as they passed, watching the diarchs leave her behind. Once gone, Silver put down the cup spat out the contents of her mouth, and reached for the unboiled pitcher of water.
“What a foul brew,” she muttered to herself. “The sugar of this age is unrefined and unpleasant.”
Hefting the jug to her lips, Shining Silver took several mouthfuls before placing the now half-empty container back on the table. With her tastebuds cleansed of the bitter filth she had subjected herself to, Silver fell back into the waiting, plush arms of a nearby couch. Using her magic, she parted the curtains and gazed out over the bustling castle city that served as Equestria’s capital.
“One minute they heed my every word, the next I am met with suspicion and hostility,” Shining Silver mused aloud. “Though old enough to be grandparents they continue to act like children. It would be amusing were it not so sad.”
